Rigorous structure promotes fiscal control, management capabilities
Since its inception in 1972, Alliance for Children and Families member Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), Philadelphia, has grown to become one of the largest public health organizations in the nation. The organization focuses on building healthier communities through outreach, health promotion, education, research, planning, technical assistance, and direct services.
Formerly known as the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, in 2008, PHMC underwent an extensive rebranding initiative that helped better align the organization’s brand with its broad geographic impact. Today, PHMC serves more than 87,000 clients annually, offers more than 250 programs, operates in 70 regional locations, employs nearly 1,400 staff members, and partners with nine subsidiaries.
PHMC leaders speak proudly of the organization’s ability to combine the mission-driven perspective of a nonprofit with the fiscal control and management capabilities of a rigorous corporate structure. A critical component of that structure is the 25-member PHMC board of directors, which meets five times each year.
The board includes 13 designated directors representing a variety of public health stakeholders. Among these designees are practicing physicians designated by the county medical and osteopathic societies; a senior nursing professional; a representative of insurer Blue Cross of Greater Philadelphia; the city’s health commissioner (or his/her designee); the city mayor (or his/her designee); and a chamber of commerce representative.
Margie Austin (see companion article) is the board’s designated director representing families receiving mental retardation program services.
Learn more about PHMC.
